A Muslim lyricist who wrote the timeless hymns of Mughal-e-Azam, an example of Ganga-Jamuni culture:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Whenever we talk about the grandest and greatest film in the history of Indian cinema, ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ The name comes at the top. The songs of this film not only created history in the world of music, but also its lyricists Shakeel Badayuni By tearing down the walls of religion with his pen, he presented a unique example of India’s syncretic culture.

Today, on March 11, 2026, we are remembering that great artiste who, despite being a Muslim, gave the most beautiful and devotional bhajans ever to Hindi cinema.

‘Mohe Panghat Pe Nandlal Chhed Gayo Re’: Amazing Confluence of Krishna Bhakti

When Madhubala (Anarkali) dances on this bhajan of Lord Krishna in the movie ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, the scene becomes magical.

Muslim pen, Hindu faith: Shakeel Badayuni wrote ‘Mohe Panghat Pe…’ with such devotion and detail that even today it is counted among the best Krishna bhajans.

Pairing of Naushad and Shakeel: The combination of raga based music and spiritual words created by the duo of music emperors Naushad and Shakeel in this film is unmatched.

Not only ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, history was created in these films also

Shakeel Badayuni was not only known for writing courtly or romantic songs. The hymns that came from his pen enthralled everyone:

Baiju Bawra: hymn of this film ‘My heart is yearning to see Hari today’ No one could tell by listening that the writer of it is a Muslim (Shakeel), the one who composed the music is a Muslim (Naushad) and the singer is also a Muslim (Mohammed Rafi).

Ganga Jamuna: Classical bhajans like ‘Madhuban Me Radhika Nache Re’ proved Shakeel’s versatility.

Shakeel Badayuni: Magician of words

Born in Badaun (Uttar Pradesh), Shakeel created such a synergy between Urdu poetry and Hindi words that his songs reached the common man’s tongue. Be it a revolutionary song like ‘Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya’ or a timeless song like ‘Bekas Pe Karam Kariye’, Shakeel immortalized every emotion.

Heritage of Ganga-Jamuni culture: Shakeel’s writings are relevant even in today’s times. He says that art has no religion. His works are proof that an artist’s sensibilities can transcend any limit and reach God or Allah.